JP2015148751A - consumables management system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a consumables management system configured to construct a database on a state of use of a toner cartridge in an image forming apparatus, to obtain the state of use of a non-genuine toner cartridge.SOLUTION: A consumables management system (100) is configured to manage a state of use of a toner cartridge (18) of an image forming apparatus (1) by means of a management server (4). The toner cartridge (18) has a toner ID. The image forming apparatus (1) has a terminal ID. The image forming apparatus (1) and the management server (4) are connected to each other over a network (2). Information on a genuine toner cartridge is registered on a storage section (46) in the management server (4). The management server (4) acquires the terminal ID of the image forming apparatus (1) and the toner ID of the toner cartridge (18), to acquire the state of use of the image forming apparatus (1) and the toner cartridge (18).

Description

  The present invention relates to a consumable item management system, and more particularly to a consumable item management system that manages the usage status of a toner cartridge mounted in an image forming apparatus such as a printer or a facsimile.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, image forming apparatuses such as printers and facsimiles are generally employed in which a detachable toner cartridge is mounted and toner is supplied from the toner cartridge.

  The toner cartridge mounted on the image forming apparatus includes a storage member such as an IC chip, stores the usage status (toner cartridge condition) of the toner cartridge, and performs various calculations at the time of toner consumption in the image forming apparatus main body based on the information. And storing various data in a storage member.

  However, since most of the toner cartridges used in the image forming apparatus are discarded when used, no feedback from the market has been obtained for information on the usage status of the toner cartridges.

  As a conventional technique using a toner cartridge, for example, a remaining amount warning acquisition unit that acquires remaining amount warning information indicating that the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge has reached a predetermined amount from a printer that uses the toner cartridge; There has been proposed a consumable management system that includes a predicting unit that predicts a date when the toner runs out, and an output unit that outputs a warning prompting replacement of the toner cartridge by the predicted date (see Patent Document 1).

  By using such a consumable management system, the expiration date is predicted from the remaining amount of toner so that no loss occurs in the toner, and the user does not place a burden of maintenance on the device. While maintaining convenience, it is possible to improve convenience when the remaining amount of toner decreases, and to improve the collection rate of the toner cartridge.

  Further, as a conventional technique for obtaining information using a communication line, in an image forming apparatus capable of data communication with an information processing apparatus, a generation unit that generates bitmap data based on print data received from the information processing apparatus; An image forming apparatus having an image forming unit that forms an image based on the bitmap data generated by the generating unit and a control unit that optimizes parameters related to the image forming unit has been proposed (Patent Document 2). ).

  By configuring the image forming apparatus in this way, the service department can obtain information specific to the engine in the market and identify the cause of the problem using a communication line such as the Internet in order to respond to user complaints in the market. Similarly, the problem can be solved by changing the engine parameter by remote control using a communication line.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-228761 JP 2003-215865 A

  However, according to the above-described prior art, in the image forming apparatus, as in the invention of Patent Document 1, the toner cartridge is identified and the expiration date of the toner cartridge is predicted. The specific information of the image forming apparatus can be obtained by using a communication line, and the cause of the problem of the image forming apparatus can be specified. However, the usage status of the toner cartridge in the image forming apparatus (printing status according to the toner, The response of the device etc.) was not fed back.

  That is, in the image forming apparatus, feedback from the market can be obtained for information on the usage status when the toner cartridge (including the toner itself) is a genuine product corresponding to the apparatus and the usage status when the toner cartridge is a non-genuine product. There wasn't.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and by managing the usage status of toner cartridges used in an image forming apparatus, a toner cartridge usage status database is constructed, and the apparatus It is an object of the present invention to provide a consumables management system that can obtain the usage status of non-genuine toner cartridges corresponding to the above.

A consumable management system according to the present invention for solving the above-described problems is as follows.
The present invention provides a consumable management system in which a management server manages the usage status of a toner cartridge mounted on an image forming apparatus, wherein the toner cartridge includes identification information (ID information) unique to the toner cartridge, The image forming apparatus includes identification information (ID information) unique to the image forming apparatus and is configured to be connectable to a management server (particularly a cloud server) via a network (particularly the Internet). Information (ID information, toner information, etc.) relating to a predetermined toner cartridge (genuine toner cartridge corresponding to the apparatus) used in the image forming apparatus is registered in advance, and the management server forms the image via the network. Device identification information and toner cartridge mounted on the image forming apparatus Thereby obtain the identification information, and is characterized in that to obtain the usage of the toner cartridge and usage of the image forming apparatus.

  According to the present invention, the storage unit of the management server includes a management table for managing information relating to an image forming apparatus connected via a network and information relating to a genuine toner cartridge used in the image forming apparatus. preferable.

  According to the present invention, the storage unit of the management server includes a management table for managing information related to an image forming apparatus connected via a network and information related to a non-genuine toner cartridge used in the image forming apparatus. Is preferred.

  According to the present invention, the storage unit of the management server manages information relating to image forming apparatuses connected via a network and information relating to genuine toner cartridges and non-genuine toner cartridges installed for each of the image forming apparatuses. It is preferable to provide a management table.

  According to the present invention, in the storage unit of the management server, information including at least one of a toner consumption amount and a toner cartridge replacement frequency is used as information on a usage state of the toner cartridge mounted on the image forming apparatus. The recorded information on the usage status of the image forming apparatus includes at least the toner sensor output value, the number of executions of intermediate process control, the photoreceptor film thickness coefficient, the average printing rate, the number of intermittent output of multiple sheets, the installation area, the installation environment (temperature, It is preferable that information including any one of (humidity) and the number of times of solid image printing is recorded.

  According to the consumable item management system of the present invention, in the consumable item management system for managing the use status of the toner cartridge mounted on the image forming apparatus by the management server, the toner cartridge is identification information (ID information) unique to the toner cartridge. The image forming apparatus includes identification information (ID information) unique to the image forming apparatus, and is configured to be connectable to a management server (particularly a cloud server) via a network (particularly the Internet). Information (ID information, toner information, etc.) relating to a predetermined toner cartridge (genuine toner cartridge corresponding to the apparatus) used in the image forming apparatus is registered in advance in the storage unit, and the management server is connected via a network. Identification information of the image forming apparatus and a toner loaded in the image forming apparatus. -Obtaining cartridge identification information, obtaining the usage status of the image forming apparatus and the usage status of the toner cartridge, and feeding back information from the market so that the toner used in the image forming apparatus By managing the cartridge usage status, a toner cartridge usage status database can be constructed, and the usage status when a non-genuine toner cartridge corresponding to the apparatus is used can be obtained. As a result, it is possible to realize an image forming apparatus that can handle not only genuine toner cartridges but also non-genuine toner cartridges.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the consumables management system which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image forming apparatus which comprises the said consumables management system. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a part of cloud server which comprises the said consumables management system. 4 is a table showing an example of a genuine toner cartridge management table in the consumable item management system. 4 is a table showing an example of a non-genuine toner cartridge management table in the consumable item management system. 6 is a table showing an example of a used toner cartridge management table in the consumable management system. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for transmitting a usage status of a toner cartridge in an image forming apparatus to a cloud server in the consumable management system. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for receiving a usage status of a toner cartridge used in an image forming apparatus by a cloud server in the consumable management system.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an example of an embodiment for carrying out the present invention, and is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a consumables management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an image forming apparatus constituting the consumables management system. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a part of a cloud server constituting the consumables management system.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the first embodiment is a consumable management system 100 that manages the usage status of a toner cartridge (not shown) mounted in an image forming apparatus 1 by using a cloud server 4. It adopts the characteristic configuration of the consumables management system.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the consumables management system 100 of the first embodiment is connected to an image forming apparatus 1 (1 a, 1 b) and a cloud server (management server) 4 via a network 2.

First, the image forming apparatus 1 will be described.
The image forming apparatus 1 is a multifunction machine functioning as a facsimile or a copier. As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an original reading unit 11, an image processing unit 12, an image forming unit 13, a control unit 14, a toner management unit 15, A storage unit 16 and a communication unit 17 are provided, and a toner cartridge 18 is mounted.

The document reading unit 11 reads image information from a fax document or a copy document.
The image processing unit 12 performs image processing corresponding to output processing on the image information read by the document reading unit 11.
The image forming unit 13 forms an image based on the image data.
The control unit 14 controls the operation of each unit of the image forming apparatus 1.
The toner management unit 15 manages information related to the toner cartridge 18 used in the image forming apparatus 1.
The storage unit 16 stores identification information unique to the image forming apparatus in advance, and stores the usage status of the image forming apparatus 1, information on the toner cartridge 18, and usage status of the toner cartridge 18.
The communication unit 17 communicates with the cloud server 4 and an information terminal (not shown) via the network 2.

  The toner cartridge 18 is detachably mounted on the image forming apparatus 1 and has identification information unique to the toner cartridge in advance. For example, the identification information may be an ID number read by a barcode or the like.

Next, the cloud server 4 will be described.
The cloud server 4 is connected to the image forming apparatus 1 via the network 2 and includes a control unit 44, a storage unit 46, and a communication unit 47 as shown in FIG.

  Then, the cloud server 4 obtains the identification information of the image forming apparatus 1 and the identification information of the toner cartridge 18 mounted on the image forming apparatus 1 via the network 2, as well as the usage status of the image forming apparatus 1 and the toner cartridge. 18 usage statuses are obtained.

The control unit 44 controls the operation of each unit of the cloud server 4.
The communication unit 47 communicates with the network 2, the image forming apparatus 1, and the like.
In the storage unit 46, information related to a predetermined toner cartridge used in the image forming apparatus 1 is registered in advance.

  Specifically, the storage unit 46 includes a genuine toner cartridge management table 461, a non-genuine toner cartridge management table 462, and a used toner cartridge management table 463.

  The genuine toner cartridge management table 461 stores information such as a toner ID and a manufacturer in advance as information on a genuine toner cartridge used in the image forming apparatus 1.

  The non-genuine toner cartridge management table 462 manages information on the non-genuine toner cartridge used in the image forming apparatus 1 such as toner ID, manufacturer, and start date of use.

  The used toner cartridge management table 463 manages information such as a toner ID, a manufacturer, and a use start date as information on genuine toner cartridges and non-genuine toner cartridges installed for each image forming apparatus.

The toner cartridge management table provided in the storage unit 46 of the cloud server 4 will be specifically described below.
FIG. 4 is a table showing an example of a genuine toner cartridge management table in the consumables management system of the first embodiment, FIG. 5 is a table showing an example of a non-genuine toner cartridge management table in the consumables management system, and FIG. 10 is a table showing an example of a used toner cartridge management table in the product management system.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the genuine toner cartridge management table 461 stores “toner ID (toner cartridge ID number)” and “manufacturer” of genuine toner cartridges used in the image forming apparatus 1. As usage information of the toner cartridge, “use start date”, “terminal ID (image forming apparatus ID number)” of the image forming apparatus on which the toner cartridge is mounted, and “toner remaining amount” are stored. Yes.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the non-genuine toner cartridge management table 462 stores “toner ID” and “manufacturer” of non-genuine toner cartridges used in the image forming apparatus 1. Then, “use start date”, “terminal ID” of the image forming apparatus in which the toner cartridge is mounted, and “remaining toner amount” are stored as information on the usage status of the toner cartridge.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the used toner cartridge management table 463 includes a “terminal ID” of the image forming apparatus in which the toner cartridge is mounted, a “toner ID” of the genuine toner cartridge and the non-genuine toner cartridge mounted in each image forming apparatus. Is stored. Then, “use start date” and “toner remaining amount” are stored as information on the usage status of the toner cartridge.

Next, a procedure for managing the usage status of the toner cartridge used in the image forming apparatus 1 by the cloud server 4 in the consumable management system 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure for transmitting the usage status of the toner cartridge in the image forming apparatus to the cloud server in the consumable management system according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 8 is used for the image forming apparatus by the cloud server in the consumable management system. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for receiving a usage status of a toner cartridge to be performed.

  First, in the consumable management system 100 according to the first embodiment, a processing process of transmitting information on the usage status of the toner cartridge 18 being used by the image forming apparatus 1 to the cloud server 4 will be described.

  In the consumable management system 100 of the first embodiment, when the user installs the toner cartridge 18 in the image forming apparatus 1, as shown in FIG. 7, it is detected that the toner cartridge 18 is installed in the image forming apparatus 1. In step S101, the toner ID (ID number as identification information) recorded in advance on a recording member such as a barcode provided in the toner cartridge 18 in the image forming apparatus 1 is read (step S102).

  Then, an authentication request is made from the image forming apparatus 1 to the cloud server 4 connected via the network 2 such as the Internet (step S103). Then, it is determined whether or not the image forming apparatus 1 has been authenticated by the cloud server 4 (step S104).

  If it is determined in step S104 that the image forming apparatus 1 has been authenticated by the cloud server 4, the terminal ID (as identification information) stored in the image forming apparatus 1 from the image forming apparatus 1 to the cloud server 4 in advance is stored. The ID number) and the toner ID of the toner cartridge 18 (ID number as identification information) are transmitted (step S105).

  Then, “toner remaining amount” is transmitted from the image forming apparatus 1 as information on the usage status of the toner cartridge 18 (step S106). The “toner remaining amount” is calculated based on the amount of toner remaining in the toner cartridge in the image forming apparatus 1 or based on the amount of toner supplied from the toner cartridge, the printing rate of the output image, the number of printed sheets, and the like. Is required.

  Information on the “toner remaining amount” of the toner cartridge 18 is transmitted to the cloud server 4 until the toner cartridge 18 becomes toner empty (step S107).

  If it is determined in step S107 that the toner cartridge 18 has become toner empty, information indicating that the toner cartridge 18 has become toner empty is transmitted to the cloud server 4 (step S108). The processing step of transmitting the usage status information is completed.

  Next, processing steps for managing the toner cartridge 18 in use in the image forming apparatus 1 by the cloud server 4 in the consumable management system 100 according to the first embodiment will be described.

  In the consumable management system 100 according to the first embodiment, when the process of managing the toner cartridge 18 by the cloud server 4 is started, first, as shown in FIG. 8, the image forming apparatus 1 connected to the cloud server 4 is used. Is authenticated (step S201). When the image forming apparatus 1 is authenticated, the cloud server 4 responds that the image forming apparatus 1 has been authenticated (step S202).

  Then, the terminal ID of the image forming apparatus 1 and the toner ID of the toner cartridge 18 transmitted from the image forming apparatus 1 are received (step S203).

  In step S204, based on the information transmitted from the image forming apparatus 1, it is determined whether or not the toner cartridge 18 attached to the image forming apparatus 1 is a genuine toner cartridge. In step S204, the toner ID of the genuine toner cartridge stored in advance in the genuine toner cartridge management table 461 of the storage unit 46 of the cloud server 4 is compared with the toner ID of the toner cartridge 18 transmitted from the image forming apparatus 1. To be judged.

  If it is determined in step S204 that the toner cartridge 18 attached to the image forming apparatus 1 is not a genuine toner cartridge, the toner is stored in the non-genuine toner cartridge management table 462 of the storage unit 46 of the cloud server 4 as a non-genuine toner cartridge. The ID is registered (step S205). Then, the toner ID is registered in the used toner cartridge management table 463 of the storage unit 46 of the cloud server 4 as the toner cartridge used for each image forming apparatus (step S206). At this time, the use toner cartridge management table 463 records the use start date, the remaining amount of toner, and the like as information on the use status of the toner cartridge 18.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S204 that the toner cartridge 18 attached to the image forming apparatus 1 is a genuine toner cartridge, the process proceeds to step S206, and the used toner cartridge management table 463 of the storage unit 46 of the cloud server 4 is entered. The toner ID of the toner cartridge used for each image forming apparatus is registered. At this time, the use toner cartridge management table 463 records the use start date, the remaining amount of toner, and the like as information on the use status of the toner cartridge 18. The genuine toner cartridge management table 461 records the use start date, the remaining amount of toner, and the like as information on the usage status of the toner cartridge 18.

  Then, the cloud server 4 receives the information on the usage status of the toner cartridge 18 transmitted from the image forming apparatus 1 and updates the data (step S207). Then, data on the usage status of the toner cartridge 18 is updated until the toner cartridge 18 becomes toner empty (step S208).

  If it is determined in step S208 that the toner cartridge 18 has become toner empty, the cloud server 4 updates the status in which the toner cartridge 18 becomes toner empty (step S209), and the toner cartridge by the cloud server 4 is updated. Management of 18 ends.

  With the above configuration, according to the first embodiment, in the consumable management system 100, the toner cartridge 18 includes a toner ID as identification information, and the storage unit 16 of the image forming apparatus 1 has a terminal as identification information. In addition to providing an ID, the image forming apparatus 1 and the cloud server 4 can be connected to each other via the network 2, and the toner ID of a genuine toner cartridge used in the image forming apparatus 1 is stored in the storage unit 46 of the cloud server 4. Are registered in advance, and the cloud server 4 obtains the terminal ID of the image forming apparatus 1 and the toner ID of the toner cartridge 18 mounted on the image forming apparatus 1 via the network 2 and uses the image forming apparatus 1. Since the status and the usage status of the toner cartridge 18 are obtained, the usage status of the image forming apparatus 1 in the market The information on the usage status of the toner cartridge 18 is fed back and the usage status of the toner cartridge 18 used in the image forming apparatus 1 is managed, so that the genuine toner cartridge and the non-genuine toner corresponding to the image forming apparatus are used. A database of cartridge usage status can be constructed. As a result, it is possible to realize an image forming apparatus that can support not only genuine toner cartridges but also non-genuine toner cartridges.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, the toner cartridge 18 is not equipped with a memory function such as an IC chip, but includes only an ID number by a recording member such as a barcode, and the toner cartridge 18 is provided in the image forming apparatus 1. Since the usage status is recorded, it is possible to construct a database for determining when the toner is produced or a non-genuine product (3rd party product) without leaking information such as the usage status from the toner cartridge 18.

  Specifically, by using the genuine toner cartridge management table 461 and the non-genuine toner cartridge management table 462 provided in the storage unit 46 of the cloud server 4, a database of the usage status of the toner cartridge 18 can be constructed.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, since the toner ID of the toner cartridge 18 is transmitted from the image forming apparatus 1 to the cloud server 4 via the network 2, the toner information registered in the cloud server 4 in advance By checking the toner ID of the toner cartridge 18, it is possible to grasp the usage status of the toner cartridge for each image forming apparatus and for each customer.

  Specifically, the used toner cartridge management table 463 provided in the storage unit 46 of the cloud server 4 can centrally manage the toner cartridges used according to the user and the image forming apparatus. As a result, even if a quality problem occurs, it is possible to immediately identify the user and the image forming apparatus, and since the delivery history in the toner exchange can be accumulated, it is useful for customer management.

  In the first embodiment, the “toner remaining amount” is recorded in the storage unit 46 of the cloud server 4 as information on the usage status of the toner cartridge 18 and the usage status of the image forming apparatus. The information on the usage status of the toner cartridge 18 and the usage status of the image forming apparatus 1 is not limited thereto.

(Second Embodiment)
The second embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, in the consumable management system 100, “toner consumption” is recorded as information on the usage status of the toner cartridge 18 managed by the cloud server 4.

  According to the second embodiment, by managing “toner consumption” in the cloud server 4, it is possible to determine whether or not genuine toner is used based on the toner consumption.

  For example, when the toner consumption is small relative to the number of printed sheets, it indicates that the image density is low. In this case, there is a high possibility that genuine toner is not used.

(Third embodiment)
The third embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, in the consumables management system 100, “toner cartridge replacement frequency” is recorded as information on the usage status of the toner cartridge 18 managed by the cloud server 4.

  According to the third embodiment, by managing the “toner cartridge replacement frequency” in the cloud server 4, it is possible to determine whether or not genuine toner is used depending on the amount of external additive of toner.

  For example, when the replacement frequency of the toner cartridge is high, there is a high possibility that the toner is blocking in the toner cartridge. For example, if the amount of the external additive of the toner is too small, blocking tends to occur. That is, there is a high possibility that genuine toner is not used.

(Fourth embodiment)
The fourth embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that a “toner sensor output value” is recorded as information on the usage status of the image forming apparatus managed by the cloud server 4 in the consumable management system 100.

  According to the fourth embodiment, by managing the “toner sensor output value” in the cloud server 4, it is possible to determine whether or not genuine toner is used based on the difference in chargeability of the toner.

  For example, if the toner sensor output value deviates from the default (for example, 2.5 (V)), there is a high possibility that non-genuine toner having different chargeability is used.

(Fifth embodiment)
The fifth embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, in the consumable management system 100, “halftone process control execution count” is recorded as information on the usage status of the image forming apparatus managed by the cloud server 4.

  According to the fifth embodiment, by managing the “number of executions of halftone process control” in the cloud server 4, it is possible to determine whether or not genuine toner is used depending on the number of executions.

  For example, when the number of halftone process control executions is large, there is a high possibility that the development bias, transfer bias, and charging voltage are deviated from default values. Over time, image unevenness, image fogging, and fixing offset due to excessive toner are likely to occur. Therefore, there is a high possibility that genuine toner is not used.

(Sixth embodiment)
The sixth embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, in the consumables management system 100, “photosensitive body film thickness coefficient” is recorded as information on the usage status of the image forming apparatus managed by the cloud server 4.

  According to the sixth embodiment, by managing the “photosensitive member film thickness coefficient” in the cloud server 4, it is possible to determine whether or not genuine toner is used depending on the amount of external additive of toner.

  For example, when a large amount of metal oxide such as titanium or magnetite is used as an external additive for the toner, the amount of abrasion of the photoreceptor increases. As a result, image unevenness, image filming, and streaks occur in the image. Therefore, there is a high possibility that genuine toner is not used.

(Seventh embodiment)
The seventh embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, in the consumables management system 100, “average printing rate” is recorded as information on the usage status of the image forming apparatus managed by the cloud server 4.

  According to the seventh embodiment, by managing the “average printing rate” in the cloud server 4, it is possible to determine whether or not genuine toner is used based on the ratio of the average printing rate.

  For example, when the average printing rate is several percent or less, the toner replenishment amount decreases, so the toner charge amount becomes very high, and problems such as a decrease in image density and image fog are likely to occur. Pure toner is designed in consideration of this point. Therefore, when the genuine toner is not used, the above-described problems are likely to occur.

(Eighth embodiment)
The eighth embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, in the consumable management system 100, “multiple sheet intermittent output count” is recorded as information on the usage status of the image forming apparatus managed by the cloud server 4.

  According to the eighth embodiment, by managing the “multiple sheet intermittent output count” in the cloud server 4, it is possible to determine whether or not genuine toner is used based on the number of times of intermittent output of a plurality of sheets. .

  For example, in the image forming apparatus, unlike continuous printing, when multiple sheets are printed intermittently, the rotation time of the developing tank becomes long, an excessive load is applied to the toner, and the charge amount of the toner becomes very high. Problems such as density reduction and image fog are likely to occur. Pure toner is designed in consideration of this point. Therefore, when the genuine toner is not used, the above-described problems are likely to occur.

(Ninth embodiment)
The ninth embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, in the consumables management system 100, “installation area” is recorded as information on the usage status of the image forming apparatus managed by the cloud server 4.

  According to the ninth embodiment, by managing the “installation area” in the cloud server 4, it is determined whether or not genuine toner is used depending on whether or not an image defect occurs in an output image in a specific area. Can do.

  For example, when an image forming apparatus is installed in a specific area where temperature / humidity changes due to seasons and daily temperature / humidity changes are severe, the toner is changed corresponding to the specific area and shipped. Does not occur. Therefore, if an image defect occurs in a specific area, there is a high possibility that genuine toner is not used.

(10th Embodiment)
The tenth embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, in the consumable management system 100, “installation environment” in which the image forming apparatus is installed is recorded as information on the usage status of the image forming apparatus managed by the cloud server 4. To do.

  According to the tenth embodiment, as the “installation environment” in the cloud server 4, for example, it is possible to determine whether or not genuine toner is used by managing the temperature and humidity of the place where the apparatus is installed. it can.

  For example, in the developing tank in the image forming apparatus, the temperature in the developing tank rises due to the rotation of the toner agitating member, and when a high temperature environment (35 ° C. or higher) is reached, the toner is further loaded and the chargeability of the toner decreases. As a result, the image density decreases.

  When the humidity in the developing device becomes high and the relative humidity is 85% or more, the developer concentration in the developing tank cannot be accurately measured by the toner sensor due to the influence of moisture of moisture. As a result, the toner is replenished excessively, and problems such as image fogging occur.

  The genuine toner is designed with toner in consideration of this point, and thus the above-mentioned problems are likely to occur when the genuine toner is not used.

(Eleventh embodiment)
The eleventh embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, in the consumables management system 100, “number of times of solid image printing” is recorded as information on the usage status of the image forming apparatus managed by the cloud server 4.

  According to the eleventh embodiment, by managing the “number of times of solid image printing” in the cloud server 4, it is possible to determine whether or not genuine toner is used based on the number of times of solid image printing.

  For example, if the toner charge amount becomes too high, it can be dealt with by continuously printing a solid image (for example, a full black image for monochrome), thereby forcibly consuming the toner and lowering the toner charge amount. . Therefore, if the number of times of printing a solid image is too large, there is a high possibility that genuine toner is not used.

  As described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and technical means disclosed in different embodiments are appropriately combined. Embodiments obtained in this manner are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

1 image forming apparatus 2 network 4 cloud server (management server)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Document reading part 12 Image processing part 13 Image formation part 14 Control part 15 Toner management part 16 Storage part 17 Communication part 18 Toner cartridge 44 Control part 46 Storage part 47 Communication part 100 Consumables management system 461 Genuine toner cartridge management table 462 Genuine toner cartridge management table 463 Used toner cartridge management table

Claims (5)

In a consumable management system in which a management server manages the usage status of toner cartridges mounted on an image forming apparatus,
The toner cartridge includes identification information;
The image forming apparatus includes identification information and is configured to be connectable to the management server via a network.
Information related to a predetermined toner cartridge used in the image forming apparatus is registered in the storage unit of the management server in advance.
The management server obtains the identification information of the image forming apparatus and the identification information of the toner cartridge mounted on the image forming apparatus via a network, and uses the image forming apparatus and the toner cartridge. Consumables management system characterized by obtaining and.   The storage unit of the management server includes a management table that manages information related to an image forming apparatus connected via a network and information related to a genuine toner cartridge used in the image forming apparatus. The consumable management system described.   2. The storage unit of the management server includes a management table that manages information relating to an image forming apparatus connected via a network and information relating to a non-genuine toner cartridge used in the image forming apparatus. Or the consumables management system of 2.   The storage unit of the management server includes a management table that manages information related to image forming apparatuses connected via a network and information related to genuine toner cartridges and non-genuine toner cartridges installed in each image forming apparatus. The consumable item management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. In the storage unit of the management server,
As information on the usage status of the toner cartridge mounted on the image forming apparatus, information including at least one of a toner consumption amount and a toner cartridge replacement frequency is recorded,
Information on the usage status of the image forming apparatus includes at least a toner sensor output value, the number of executions of intermediate process control, a photoreceptor film thickness coefficient, an average printing rate, a number of intermittent output times of multiple sheets, an installation area, an installation environment, and the number of times of solid image printing. The consumables management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein information including any one of them is recorded.

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